Ukraine destroys 3 Russian warplanes – US firm

In result of the destruction of three Russian warplanes and a fuel facility near the main runway, the United States commercial satellite company, Maxar, says a recent Ukrainian strike targeted the Belbek airbase in occupied Crimea.

Satellite imagery taken on Thursday disclosed the damage, showing two MiG-31 fighter jets and an Su-27 fighter jet destroyed, while a MiG-29 fighter aircraft appeared to be damaged.

In spite of the incident, Ukraine has not publicly admitted responsibility for the attack.

The Russian defense ministry asserted that Ukraine mounted an overnight assault on Crimea, with its air defense forces intercepting five long-range missiles.

This comes as Ukraine has increasingly deployed long-range drones and missiles to vital targets beyond the front line, especially in Crimea, which was invaded and annexed by Russia in 2014.

(REUTERS)